Ernest Joseph Gleason

GLEASON, ERNEST J. “KELLY” ,of Flushing, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2015 at the Living Joy, Flushing, MI. Memorial Mass will be 1:00 P.M. Friday, May 8, 2015 at St. Robert Catholic Church, 310 N. Cherry St., Flushing, MI. Fr. Roy Horning and Fr. Phillip Schmitter officiating. Interment at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, May 7, 2015 from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. with a Rosary being prayed at 7:00 P.M. followed by a Knights of Columbus and a Ancient Order of the Hibernians Service at the Reigle Funeral Home, 5501 West Pierson Road, Flushing, Michigan 48433 / 810-732-1448. Kelly was born February 9, 1930, the second child of Mary Ellen (Tallon) Gleason & John Patrick Gleason. Raised on a working farm with 10 siblings his childhood was more idyllic than leisurely. A proud alum of Flushing High School he served 4 years in the US Army and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. Kelly was a member of Millwright Local #1102. He joined the Knights of Columbus in 1948 and was a long time member of the Flushing American Legion and the Ancient Order of the Hibernians. He lived in Felch, MI in the early 1960’s. Kelly was a member of the North American Ski Hall of Fame and judged ski jumping meets in Ishpeming and Iron Mountain, MI. Skiing was a lifelong passion for him and in his 84th year frequently he could be spotted tearing up the slopes of Mt. Holly. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and sailing adventurer, building 2 cabins in Paradise and Ontonagon, MI. He started the St. Robert Boys Football Team in 1967. He was an all state pole vaulter in 1948, later coaching the Flushing and Powers boys and girls athletes. The athletes, by his assessment, taught him plenty. With great pride and uncanny good fortune on November 29, 1952, he married (as he oft stated) “The prettiest girl in the county” Maxine (Grotto) Gleason, who survives him. A dedicated if not doting husband, for 62 years they would celebrate their marriage. The union produced five children all of whom survive him. James D. Gleason of Henniker, NH, married Kathleen Arsenault Gleason. They have four children: Anna Kathleen Gleason; Tucker James Gleason, BM2, USCG married to Kelly Dobson Gleason; Seamus Patrick Gleason; and, Kelsey Megan Gleason. John J. Gleason of Flushing, MI, married Karen Henderson Gleason. They have two children: Clancy Rose Gleason and Eamonn Henry Gleason. Timothy A. Gleason, D.O. of Bozeman, MT, married Patricia Denison Gleason. Together they have five children: John Patrick Gleason engaged to Rae Dawn Keim, Egan Gleason, Timo Gleason, Kelsey Denison and Thomas Denison. Rita Gleason Blanchard of Hopkinton, NH, married Matthew Blanchard. They have two children: Lt. Jonathan Blanchard, USN, married to Laura Blanchard, and, Mackenzie Blanchard, engaged to Melody Huang. Jennifer Gleason of Flushing, MI has two children: Trevor Leland Westbrook, engaged to Kelly Oles, and Eavan Tallon Westbrook; brothers Eldon Michael, Walter (Pat), John William Warren (Jan); sister Wanda (Barry) Topham. Kelly was properly honored in 1999 by the Ancient Order of Hibernians with the Irish Father of the Year Award in recognition of his family values and commitment to community. Perhaps the most succinct assessment of the man was provided by the subject himself: “I am Irish. Catholic. Union. Democrat”. We salute a good son, good man, good husband, good father, good grandfather, good brother, good friend, and good neighbor. All will miss him; none more than his children and grandchildren. Preceded in death by parents; sisters Waunita, Agnes, Rita, Waunita; brothers Donald and Justin. Contributions may be made to the St. Francis Prayer Center, 2381 Carpenter Rd., Flint, MI 48505

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